The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Golden State Warriors 119-103 on Thursday night, with Deandre Ayton chipping in 21 points. LeBron James turned back the clock in the Bay Area, but Ayton’s performance was even more important for LA's playoff hopes. The big man showed he is still bought into doing the little things to help the team win, and he followed it up by saying exactly what fans wanted to hear in the postgame.
Ayton had 21 points, five rebounds, and one block against the undersized Warriors. Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Gui Santos all joined Stephen Curry on the bench in this game as Golden State was on the first night of a back-to-back. It was a prime opportunity for Ayton to feast, but there was no DominAyton. LeBron was getting into the post and feeding his teammates. Ayton only got 11 shots and was doing all the little things to score his 21.
The Lakers snapped a three-game losing streak and answered JJ Redick’s challenge. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will likely miss the first round of the playoffs. This is the group LA has to defeat the Rockets. They need Ayton to clean the class, roll to rim, set screens, and do all the little things to have any shot at an upset. DA is ready for that role.
Deandre Ayton has bought into the role the Lakers want heading into the playoffs
The Lakers looked like a serious title threat as they went 15-2 in March. During that stretch, Ayton accepted a lesser role focused on doing little things that don't show up in the box score. It is his ideal fit on a contending team, but fans were terrified he’d want more shots after the injuries. That is clearly not the case.
Blake Griffin praised Ayton for his performance before asking him about his mindset around having to create on his own without Luka and AR. Ayton gave the answer Lakers fans will love.
“Just trying to make my defense create my offense. When we get out and run on the break, and teams are discombobulated with the mismatches, I can get it off the glass, or I can just get quick seals to get my flow going.”
Ayton also said he’s excited to be the anchor and increase his physicality in the playoffs. That is exactly what the Lakers need. They don’t want Ayton demanding post-ups or asking for shots. If the Lakers get stops, run the floor, and have him cleaning the glass, they will have a shot.
Ayton is ready to fill that role. Credit to head coach JJ Redick and his staff. They convinced the seven-footer that less is more. It would have been easy to lose the former number one overall draft pick when the two stars went down. Instead, Ayton is still bought in and trying to help the Lakers overcome the long odds.
Deandre Ayton confirmed the Lakers want him to turn defense into offense and do the little things to get buckets. He did it against the Warriors.
Fans know Ayton’s play can be a rollercoaster ride, but he appears locked into his role at the perfect time. It won’t be easy for LA without their top two scorers. Still, Ayton is doing exactly what the Lakers are asking. Consider that a win.